Academics

Maryland-in-Haifa is a 15-credit UM faculty-lead study abroad program based at the University of Haifa. 

The academic program includes:

Core Course: ISRL 309I or GVPT 309I
Program participants take a specially designed resident credit course, “Cleavages Within Israel and Across the Borders-and the Search for Common Ground,” taught by Prof. Edward Edy Kaufman, Senior Research Associate at the Center for Development and Conflict Management at UM.  

Hebrew or Arabic Language Study
Hebrew language classes are offered for beginning to advanced levels for 8 hours per week. Modern Standard Arabic is offered at the elementary and intermediate levels for 6 hours per week. Spoken Arabic is offered at the elementary level and classes meet 4 hours per week. Language study is optional.

Elective courses
More than 15 elective courses are offered in English within a wide variety of academic disciplines, and they qualify for UM transfer credit.  These include courses in Communications, Economics, English, Government and Politics, History, Jewish Studies, Law, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology.

Guided Fieldwork: Cultural Communication
Academic meetings and weekly sessions with local Arab students are designed to develop the students’ cross-cultural communication abilities. Classes also provide an interdisciplinary academic background on intercultural communication based on readings in social and clinical psychology, sociology, anthropology, and political science. These courses may not be eligible for UM transfer credit, but this is truly a worthwhile, unique opportunity. Transfer of credit from this course requires approval from the students’ college.

Internship option: ARHU 386, BSOS 386 or ISRL 309K
Internships are related to a student’s academic interest and are mainly completed with organizations in Haifa that work on furthering Arab-Jewish relations. Students will work 10-15 hours a week at their chosen facility. Transfer of credit from this course requires approval from the students’ college.

Click here for the Maryland-in-Haifa Spring 2010 Course List

Learn more about Internship, Research, & Fieldwork Opportunities


Academic Credit & Transcripts

Credits earned on the Maryland-in-Haifa program are a mix of Maryland resident credit and transfer credit. Students receive resident credit for the mandatory course and transfer credit for all other courses.